McLaren’s black and silver Mobil livery only for Melbourne

McLaren will run prominent Mobil branding on its 2014 car in a one-off Melbourne exclusive livery deal this weekend in Australia.

Earlier, we reported that after the MP4-29 was tested in all silver throughout the winter, new bodywork with the addition of the colour black was spotted in the Melbourne pitlane.

The British team has now confirmed that the Melbourne livery is a one-off to mark the 20-year-old partnership with oil sponsor Mobil.

The situation follows the departure of title sponsor Vodafone, and returning chief executive Ron Dennis’ refusal to accept the offers of potential replacements who expected a lower price due to McLaren’s poor 2013.

“Our cars will not feature a title sponsor at the first event,” Dennis said last week, “but it will definitely feature a title sponsor in the next few events.”

Commenting on Dennis’ return to Formula 1, former arch enemy and now FIA president Jean Todt said: “He was strong opposition to us (Ferrari) and we were strong opposition to him.

“I like his sense of detail and his approach to perfection,” Todt told the Daily Mail. “Sometimes he is a bit arrogant. We all have our own style but I respect his achievements.” (GMM)

McLaren statement:

As the 2014 Formula 1 season kicks off this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, ExxonMobil and McLaren will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of their technical and commercial relationship. In honor of the major milestone, the McLaren Formula 1 cars will feature a special livery in Australia that will include both Mobil 1™ and Mobil™ brands.”

“To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mobil 1’s relationship with McLaren, we are looking forward to showcasing a special branding scheme during the first race of the 2014 season,” said Artis Brown, global motorsports manager, Mobil 1. “There is a lot of energy entering this race. Not only are we celebrating our 20th anniversary with McLaren, but we will be welcoming Kevin Magnussen to the team. When you combine these elements with the introduction of the new V-6 engine, this should be a very exciting weekend.”

Jonathan Neale, Chief Operating Officer and Acting CEO of McLaren Mercedes said, “We are privileged to have worked closely with ExxonMobil over a very successful 20 years and counting. During 332 races together we have achieved four world championships, 78 wins, 229 podium finishes and 76 pole positions, which is testament to our powerful technology partnership. Seeing the Mobil fuels branding alongside Mobil 1 on the MP-4 29 is a great recognition of the relationship’s contribution to performance over our two decades together.”

ExxonMobil began its relationship with McLaren in 1995, with its Mobil 1 synthetic lubricant brand, developing new lubricants and fuels designed to help improve the race team’s performance, efficiency and reliability.

McLaren has a strong record in Melbourne, with six of the team’s 11 Australian Grand Prix wins coming at this Albert Park track. Jenson Button has won the race three times, and twice with McLaren Mercedes.

“We are proud to celebrate our relationship with McLaren this weekend and we are looking forward to an exciting season,” said Brown. (Reuters)